Sinologist: André d'Horman

A scene from A French Dream in Red Mansions featuring a picture of André d'Horman Photo: Courtesy of Beijing TV

Through tremendous contributions by André d'Hormon, the French version of the Chinese classic A Dream of Red Mansions was published by éditions Gallimard in 1981.

Now, A French Dream in Red Mansions, a documentary made by Beijing Television over the last two years focusing on this French sinologist, is scheduled to air on the TV station Monday. Made as part of celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France, the film documents d'Hormon's strong attachment to China and Chinese culture based on the few materials he left behind after his death in 1965.

Starting in 1906, d'Hormon lived in China for nearly half a century, during which time he built close relationships with many well-to-do families, political figures and social activists.

With the help of his former student, Li Zhihua, d'Hormon began the translation of A Dream of Red Mansions during the last decade of his life when he locked himself in the Royaumont Abbey, 30 km north of Paris.

A French version of the documentary also be aired in France September 2014.